New Telford academy making progress to get out of special measures

Telford Park School in Stirchley, formerly Lakeside Academy, was one of four borough academies branded 'inadequate' by inspectors.

But in a new monitoring report, Ofsted says the school is "taking effective action towards the removal of special measures".

Previous visits have called for the school to improve its quality of teaching, leadership, pupil behaviour as well as calling for it to create "a culture of high expectations".

But following a visit a month ago, inspectors have revealed that the school is making positive progress in all aspects. The school says it is delighted that its progress is being recognised.

School spokesman Russell Griffin said: "When Ofsted last made a monitoring visit, we said we are pleased that inspectors had recognised the significant and rapid upward trajectory that has been achieved since the considerable changes to the school in September last year.

"These improvements followed the school becoming officially sponsored by the Community Academies Trust and a complete staffing restructure, including the appointment of a new leadership team.

"Ofsted has now recognised and agreed that the academy is taking effective action towards the removal of special measures and we are committed to building on this good progress in the months ahead."

In his report, inspector Chris Chapman said that although the school is working well, there is still work to be done.

He said: "A greater proportion of pupils, including disadvantaged pupils, are projected to make expected progress in English and mathematics.

"However, current leaders and teachers are fighting against the legacy of long-term historic underachievement.

"Teaching is demonstrating slow signs of improvement. Behaviour in lessons, though variable, is better."

Last year Sutherland Co-operative Academy, Wrockwardine Wood Arts Academy, Lakeside Academy and Phoenix Academy were given the worst possible 'inadequate' rating by Government inspectors.

All four schools were placed into special measures following inspections while under the management of Telford Co-operative Multi-Academy Trust. They have now been taken over by Communities Academies Trust.

They were later renamed, with Sutherland and Wrockwardine Wood merging to become The Telford Priory School, Oakengates and Phoenix Academy in Dawley now known as Telford Langley School.

The school's good news comes as other academies have come under fire from parents over strict discipline styles.

An Ofsted webpage designed to give parent feedback on the Telford Priory School has been inundated with negative feedback.

Parents have also set up a Facebook group called Unofficial Telford Priory School – TPS Complaints, which has almost 800 members.

Headteacher Stacey Jordan, said she was determined that both children and parents should "rise to the challenge" of a new behaviour system put into place.